Man Rescued After Personal Watercraft Overturns Near Busan's Gwangandaegyo Bridge

A man in his 50s was rescued by the Coast Guard after his personal watercraft capsized in the waters near Busan's Gwangandaegyo Bridge on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:26 PM when the vessel overturned in the sea near the middle section of the bridge.

Upon receiving the report, the Busan Maritime Police dispatched a coastal rescue boat to the scene. They located the man, identified as Mr. A, approximately six minutes later, around 2:32 PM. He was found floating on the water, wearing a life vest, and appeared to be in good health with no significant injuries.

Mr. A reportedly told rescuers that his personal watercraft overturned when seawater suddenly flooded the engine compartment beneath the Gwangandaegyo Bridge's main tower. The Coast Guard is investigating the exact cause of the accident.

Seong Dae-hoon, head of the Busan Maritime Police, issued a safety warning following the incident. He stressed that even minor carelessness can lead to accidents like capsizing when operating personal watercraft at high speeds. He urged operators to thoroughly check equipment before setting out and to always wear life vests.

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High-speed personal watercraft operation can lead to accidents like capsizing due to even small carelessness. Before setting out, operators must meticulously check equipment, and drivers must always wear life vests.